I’m generally not big on palettes, to tell you the truth. I’d rather pick and choose my own, rather than plunk down $30-50 on something when most likely, I'll only use one or two colors. Having said that, there are a couple that I’d recommend to anyone looking for something different.

Simply amazing shades you won’t find anywhere else. Of course, you won’t find them anywhere in the US, because fluorescent colorants aren’t approved for eye use by the FDA. This doesn’t bother me, since it is totally legal and deemed safe in the EU, where standards for cosmetic approval is typically much more stringent. That’s just my opinion, and a whole 'nother post, so...moving on...

I also highly recommend the generic 120 palettes floating around out there.

BH Cosmetics, Coastal Scents,eBay,- they’re pretty much all the same, and they’re a great way to add a ton of decent quality shades to your arsenal for about what you’d pay for a single MAC shadow. How can you beat that?

As far as blush goes, I can’t say I have a favorite palette. I have somewhere around 40 individual blushes, but that’s because I work on all skin tones. Unless you’re a pro, I honestly don’t think the average person needs more than a couple shades- of course, “need” is rather subjective, now isn't it? In that respect, I'd suggest checking out some of the empty palettes available from MAC, Z Palette or Unii, so you can create your own perfect collection!

And I Am...?

Homebase is Cincinnati, OH, and yes, I'm proud to be an Ohio girl! I love the fact that there's a Saks and Tiffany & Co. downtown, but I can drive 15 minutes and see a cornfield! I've been a makeup artist and skin care buff for almost 20 years, in just about every realm of the business you can be in- I've worked retail, managed & trained for major companies, done makeup for theatre, advertising, weddings; you name it! I'm married to the love of my life, soul mate, high-school sweetheart, life partner and other half, Brad, and we have an incredible 7-year-old daughter. I spend most of my time raising my baby (girl scout leader, school-helper, crafting and party planner extraordinaire !)